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One of the most difficult things about being a fan of comics is helping others (significant others, friends, or family members) understand, appreciate, and even possibly share in your love of comics.

Some of you may be thinking, “How does this apply to me and why should I care?” Simply put, either you yourself are trying to get someone you know to enjoy comics, or you know someone else who is and you can help them with this advice. You may be trying to become interested in comics yourself.

This week we will look at various aspects and difficulties surrounding the acquisition of new readers from within your social groups. We’ll do this by looking at some of the common questions and complaints about comics.

Skeptical friend: “Comics are for kids, why would I want to read comics?”

The truth about comics, for the most part, is that they are geared toward a very similar group of consumers to video games–males age 18 to 30. There are a number of books you cannot even buy unless you are 17/18 or older. The comic shop I frequent even has a portion of the store that is blocked off from minors because of the content of the books. Even those that are left in the “non-parental advisory” section are quite violent and filled with action sequences that put most big Hollywood blockbusters to shame. Most of the themes that the books cover are quite mature as well. Marvel’s Mutants have always been a metaphor for those who are socially disenfranchised. They represent anyone who might be considered a social outsider. Comic books often talk about death and the afterlife. They confront societal crisis like 9/11. Some have even touched on such “taboo” subjects as sexuality and religion. Comics aren’t just for kids.